Ex-situ biodiesel production from Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) biomass: Process evaluation and optimization

Biodiesel production is explored in the current study through the ex-situ extraction and transesterification approach from commercially available Jojoba seed. This biomass is regarded as a beneficial feedstock for biodiesel production as it contains non-edible oil. Also, this feedstock can be cultivated and grown in wastewater and in variable climate conditions. According to the characteristic analysis Jojoba oil is composed of 6.9% saturated fatty acids (4.6% C16:0, 1.3% C18:0 and 0.2% C20:0), 68.7% monounsaturated fatty acids (48% C20:1, 20.2% C18:1 and 0.5% C16:1) and 24.4% polyunsaturated fatty acids (14.8% C18:2, 9.2% C20:2 and 0.4% C18:3). The acid value of crude Jojoba oil is 0.05 mg KOH/ g sample, which feasible the alkaline catalyzed trans-esterification. The effect of variables on oil extraction was explored preliminary through the time-efficient and low-cost central composite design response surface methodology (CCD-RSM). According to the results, 67.51 wt.% saponifiable oil can be extracted from Jojoba seed at 64.5 & DEG;C, reaction duration of 187.7 min, rotation rate of 393.2 rpm, and solvent to biomass ratio of 14.6 cc:1 g. The maximum yield of biodiesel production is also obtained at 50 & DEG;C, methanol to oil molar ratio (MeOH: Oil) of 5.5:1, reaction time of 2.25 h, and 0.475 wt.% (KOH weight/ oil weight) KOH loading. & COPY; 2023 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study explores biodiesel production from commercially available Jojoba seeds through the ex-situ extraction and transesterification approach. Jojoba biomass is considered a beneficial feedstock for biodiesel production due to its non-edible oil content and ability to grow in wastewater and varied climate conditions. The study analyzes the composition of Jojoba oil and investigates the factors affecting oil extraction and biodiesel production. The results provide valuable information for optimizing the production process.